Beyond Congress: Key Ballot Measures Shaping Abortion, Taxes, and Election Rules

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — While the national spotlight remains fixed on the battle for Congress, voters across more than three dozen states are preparing to weigh in on approximately 150 ballot measures this November 3. These referendums cover a diverse range of high-stakes issues, including abortion access, transgender rights, and groundbreaking tax policy.

In Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, and Washington, voters will determine whether to restrict transgender girls and women from participating in female sports teams. Proponents argue these measures are necessary to protect female athletes, while critics contend they are discriminatory. Arizona and Nebraska have already enacted similar laws, with Arizona’s current proposal seeking to expand coverage to private schools and mandate that bathroom access align with birth certificates.

Nebraska aims to solidify its ban within the state constitution, while Washington’s proposal would require healthcare providers to verify an athlete’s biological sex. Additionally, Colorado and Missouri are addressing gender-affirming care for minors, with Missouri voters deciding whether to constitutionally codify an existing ban on such medical treatments.

Abortion access remains a central theme, with Idaho voters considering a measure to establish rights up to fetal viability, typically around 24 weeks. Conversely, Missouri voters are facing a legislative-led referendum that would reverse a previous citizen-initiated decision and reinstate a near-total abortion ban, which would also include restrictions on gender-affirming care.

Election integrity and redistricting are also on the agenda. California, Colorado, and Nevada are considering requirements for voters to provide the last four digits of a government ID for mail-in ballots, while Arizona is weighing a photo ID mandate. Meanwhile, Missouri and Maryland are voting on redistricting measures that could significantly alter the political landscape for the 2028 election cycle.

California’s Proposition 40 proposes the world’s first billionaire tax, targeting worldwide assets with a 5% levy to fund healthcare. Despite its popularity among many Democrats, Governor Gavin Newsom has expressed opposition, citing concerns over potential corporate flight. In Montana, voters will decide on a measure to prohibit corporate election spending, a direct challenge to the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court ruling.

Finally, Alaska residents will determine the future of the state’s ranked-choice voting system. This method, which reallocates votes from the lowest-performing candidates until a majority is reached, remains a point of significant debate regarding electoral fairness.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)